About
Arunachala Temple
Annamalaiyar Temple, a breathtaking temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in the bustling town of Thiruvannamalai, at the base of Annamalai Hills in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. As you walk closer to the grand temple complex, you'll notice how marvellously the structures have been built. This 25-acre complex is sure to mesmerize you with its beauty and elegance. There are numerous intricately adorned shrines and halls within the entire temple complex which is also considered as one of the largest temple complexes in India. Do make it a point to see the splendid eastern gopuram (tower), which is one the tallest temple towers in India as it stands 66 metres tall and the gorgeous thousand-pillared hall that extends serenely in the temple complex.
The Annamalaiyar Temple is considered as one of the temples associated with the Agni or Fire element of the Pancha Bhoota Stalas or the five elements and is significant to the Hindu sect of Shaivism. The priests perform the temple rituals very stringently six times a day and are always punctual. In the region, Lord Shiva is also known as Annamalaiyar or Arunachaleswarar. His idol is referred to as Agni Lingam and Goddess Parvati is referred to as Unnamalai Amman.
Festivals Celebrated at
Annamalaiyar Temple
Brahmotsavam: Celebrated in the Tamil months of Karthikai (between November and December). Every Full Moon, believers worship Annamalaiyar by barefoot circumambulation of Annamalai Hill which is a distance of 14 kilometres. It is believed that this act frees one of their shackles and pardons their sins.
Tiruvoodal: Celebrated in the Tamil month Thai, which occurs around mid-January every year. This festival involves worshipping Nandi, Shiva and Parvati. The deities are taken out of the temple to enact the love tiff (also known as oodai) in the evening.
About
Girivalam
Girivalam is a Hindu religious practice that involves devotees walking around the foothills of Arunachala Hill, also known as Arunachala, in Tiruvannamalai, India. The word girivalam comes from the Tamil words giri, meaning "hill," and valam, meaning "coming around". The practice is said to bring peace to one's mental and physical health.
The ritual involves walking the 14 km path around the hill, mainly on full moon nights, and is especially popular during the Tamil month of Karthigai. The path is said to offer devotees a chance to experience deep spiritual connections with Lord Shiva, who is considered to have manifested himself as the mountain.
Thousands of devotees gather at the Arunachaleswarar Temple at Tiruvannamalai to walk the path
